Leandro Paredes has admitted he is uncertain about his international future following Argentina’s painful FIFA World Cup final defeat in Spain, with the midfielder reflecting on the tournament’s final loss overshadowed by his involvement in the post-match riots.Paredes became one of the centerpieces of the scandal that followed Spain’s 1-0 win at the New York Stadium in New Jersey after he was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the neck, knocking Gavi to the ground and appearing to throw a punch during a heated argument between players from both teams.Boca Juniors’ players have come under intense scrutiny, with FIFA opening an investigation into the conduct of several members of the Argentine team after the finals.Now, after Argentina’s defeat, the 32-year-old has revealed that he is considering whether his international career is over.
Paredes is uncertain about Argentina’s future
Reflecting on the defeat, Paredes admitted that several experienced members of the squad now face important decisions for the remainder of the World Cup.“For many, it will be a time when they decide to move on,” Paredes said, as he put it Daily Mail.“It’s been a great journey. To maintain that level – to keep the team working as it has – will be very difficult, and there are many things to think about.“Elections have to be done calmly. I don’t know if I’m ready to continue. It’s a process that takes time to mature.”He added that the disappointment of failing in another World Cup final will stay with the team for a long time.“It will take time to get over what we went through. The pain of losing the World Cup final will be with us for a long time, because we came so close again.”Despite the heartbreak, Paredes also expressed pride in what the team achieved throughout the game.“I think we played in the World Cup where people saw themselves in us, and it’s very rewarding. In that sense, I’m happy.”
The message is touching but not apologetic
Two days later, Paredes addressed his fans again in a message posted on social media, thanking Argentina’s fans as he contemplated the disappointment of missing out on back-to-back World Cup titles.“Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always,” he wrote.“Today I wrote with great pain in my heart because we were not able to give our country the happiness it should have been given, but my chest is full of pride for giving everything we had and putting our flag high again.“Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team, to this group of players who gave everything to represent this shirt until the last second of every game. It was a privilege to be part of the best Argentina team in history.”Notably, the midfielder did not apologize or apologize for his actions in the altercation that occurred after the final whistle.
The latter descended into chaos
Argentina’s title defense ended in disappointment as Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to secure Spain’s second World Cup title.The defense had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time for a tackle on Pau Cubarsí.Moments after the final whistle, celebrations broke out as Spain’s substitutes and staff ran onto the pitch to celebrate their victory.As the Spanish players rushed into Argentina’s half, clashes broke out as the Argentine players joined in the celebrations. Video appeared to show Nahuel Molina meeting Spain captain Rodri and waving his arm at him as he passed.Eric García then came on, which led to a lot of friction between the players on both sides. Paredes entered the melee, grabbing García by the throat before turning to Gavi, who struggled to the ground as several Spanish players rushed to separate the participants.
Spain’s Gavi, left, falls as he clashes with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) and Thiago Almada. (AP Photo)
The dispute quickly escalated into a full-scale brawl, with players pushing, shoving and exchanging punches before the coaches, including Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, rushed onto the field in an attempt to restore order.Although initial reports said that Paredes was sent off after full time, FIFA also clarified that he did not receive a red card. However, the football governing body later opened a decision to review the actions of other members of the Argentina team using the referee’s report and video.
Referee Slavko Vincic, left, gestures as Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) tackles and Spain’s Pedro Porro (12) lays down during the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
If a breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code is established, further game sanctions may be imposed.
Critics criticize post-game behavior
The incident drew widespread criticism from former players and media pundits.A BBC Sport expert, Micah Richards, explained that the incident was embarrassing and said: “Paredes is better than that.Joe Hart added: “Disgusting behaviour. There was one man who had class and that was Lionel Messi.”Wayne Rooney also criticized Argentina’s performance saying: “It doesn’t surprise me. We have seen this from Argentina. If you lose a football game, be kind. That’s what happens to them when they are played. “Despite the controversy, Spanish midfielder Gavi later revealed that he did not want Paredes to face a long-term ban.
Argentina is going through a lot of changes
Paredes’ comments come as Argentina prepares for what could be a major rebuild.Head coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken about his future after the defeat, while veteran striker Nicolás Otamendi has already confirmed his retirement from international football after winning 139 caps, winning the 2022 World Cup and lifting two Copa América titles.Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has spoken about his international future after the final, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the next group.Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds captain Lionel Messi, who is now 39 years old and has yet to confirm whether the World Cup final will be the last international performance of his remarkable career.